366-370

*Chapter 366: The Hero of the Ninja World, Kabuto*

"Have you given up already?"

Tsunade looked up at Madara, who was gradually being sealed.

"No, it's just that I see Hashirama seems to have an acceptable successor. It surprised me a little," Madara sneered.

His sidelong glance fell on Aizen, standing on the distant high ground. Madara's expression suddenly turned serious as he spoke in a deep voice:

"However, this 'acceptable' power of yours appears to come from someone else."

"The secret medicine that heals all injuries, restores chakra and stamina, and the techniques I've never seen before—able to instantly provide defense and offense, penetrate Susano'o, and strike its interior—all of these, they must have been taught to you by Aizen, correct?"

"So what if they were?" Tsunade admitted openly, smirking mockingly at Uchiha Madara. Her expression seemed to say, So what if I used my man's techniques and medicine? What's it to you?  

Her words stunned the other Kage, including Mei Terumi, who all turned to look at Tsunade.

Then, they shifted their gaze to Aizen, watching the battle from afar.

Aizen responded with a slight smile.

No one would have expected it.

The techniques powerful enough to break through Susano'o...

The secret medicine that could instantly restore injuries, chakra, and stamina...

All of them were gifts from Fujiwara Aizen—the very man who had started this war alongside the masked figure.

So where exactly did Fujiwara Aizen's loyalties lie?

As Mei Terumi, Gaara, A, and Onoki were deep in thought, Tsunade's voice broke the silence again:

"Stop dawdling! He's just stalling for time. Finish the sealing quickly, then go support Naruto and end this war."

"Madara, you're already dead. Stop spreading hatred."

The other Kage nodded heavily, then hastened the sealing process at Tsunade's command.

"It seems that during my slumber, the ninja world has produced a remarkable successor," Madara remarked indifferently, allowing the sand imbued with sealing tags to envelop him.

Just as the Five Kage thought they were about to succeed, a burst of blue light erupted from the sand surrounding Madara.

His cold, detached voice followed:

"Very well. Then I, Uchiha Madara, will fight with all my might."

"No matter if it's the Five Kage or anyone else, it's all futile."

"With my Perfect Susano'o alone."

The sand and sealing tags were instantly scattered. Clad in crimson armor, Madara's blue giant shot skyward, growing into a fully formed entity hundreds of meters tall.

The figure solidified into a majestic war god with a long nose, wings sprouting from its back, and a blade resting across its wings.

The battlefield fell silent. The Five Kage were struck dumb.

At that moment, Tsunade, as if drained of all strength, looked up at the Perfect Susano'o in shock and murmured, "It's... huge."

She had said something similar to Aizen in bed.

The other four Kage were just as stunned, frozen in place as if struck by lightning.

Even the usually composed Chixia tightened her grip on Aizen's sleeve in panic, her small, delicate hand trembling slightly as she instinctively looked to her father.

It was no wonder Aizen had said that Madara was beyond what she could contend with.

At best, her abilities could force Susano'o into its fourth state, where it grew legs.

But this... This was far beyond that.

"Don't worry," Aizen reassured his daughter, gently patting her head with a comforting smile. "If it comes to it, I'll save your mother and Aunt Mei."

As he spoke, Madara, controlling Susano'o, drew his blade.

With a single swing, a wave of energy more powerful than any Aizen had previously unleashed cleaved through the air, slicing off the peaks of several distant mountains in an instant.

The earth split open, and the terrain within several miles was completely transformed.

"In terms of pure destructive power, this Perfect Susano'o is truly extraordinary," Aizen remarked, floating in mid-air with his daughter using the Light-Weight Rock Technique. He positioned himself level with the cockpit of Susano'o, offering an unreserved compliment.

"Pure destructive power, you say?" Madara sneered, taking a step forward with the colossal Susano'o. Each step caused the ground to quake violently.

"In that case, I suppose you wouldn't mind if I killed that daughter of yours with her medical ninjutsu skills, along with the other four Kage."

"Feel free," Aizen responded with a faint smile.

But secretly, he had already activated the Flying Thunder God mark he had left on Kabuto.

---

*Chapter 367: Uchiha Madara is Still a Virgin*

Ōnoki looked at Uchiha Madara.

"It seems like Kabuto has truly been convinced by her adoptive mother. Whatever the case, the one who undid the Edo Tensei is a hero of the ninja world. Looks like the heavens haven’t abandoned us yet."

Unable to contain his excitement, he shouted in a loud, sharp voice,

"Madara, it’s time for you to come to your senses!"

"That remains to be seen," Madara responded with a sinister smile. He didn’t act as in the original story, unleashing the Fire Release: Dragon Flame Song. Instead, he was intrigued by the medical ninjutsu Aizen mentioned, one capable of full resurrection.

"Seems I miscalculated. But it doesn’t matter."

Aizen remained calm as he looked at Madara and said,

"Madara, you are a ninja on par with the First Hokage. I imagine something as trivial as the Edo Tensei shouldn’t be a problem for you."

"Of course," Madara replied. Unlike the other reanimated souls whose spirits ascended, he formed a hand seal, and the fragmented chakra around him began to reattach itself.

The cracks and decay of his reanimated body disappeared, making him look more like a living person.

Madara had freed himself from the Edo Tensei’s control.

This shocked the Five Kage to their cores.

But Madara paid them no mind. He was bored of this battle.

"Aizen, you mentioned a technique capable of fully resurrecting someone. Could you explain it to me?"

"What, you want me to bring you back to life completely?" Aizen smirked, clearly having waited for this question.

"Yes, you could say that," Madara admitted bluntly, glancing toward Obito.

"After all, that guy seems to have his own plans."

"And you?" he asked Aizen directly.

Hearing Madara ask Aizen for help in fully reviving him, Tsunade and Mei Terumī were struck with a mix of horror and desperation. They ignored Ōnoki and the others around them, yelling anxiously:

"Aizen, don’t bring this monster back to life! The world will be doomed!"

"Aizen, don’t even think about it!"

Ōnoki, Gaara, and the Raikage were equally incensed. Eyes bloodshot and teeth clenched, they resolved to stop Aizen at all costs.

If Aizen insisted on reviving Uchiha Madara...

Even if it cost them their lives, they would prevent it.

"Heh," Aizen chuckled. "Of course, I can help you."

The moment he finished speaking, Ōnoki, Gaara, and the Raikage sprang into action.

Ōnoki pressed his palms together, preparing to unleash his Dust Release.

Gaara summoned waves of sand to engulf both Aizen and Uchiha Madara.

The Raikage pushed his Lightning Chakra Mode to its limit, charging at Aizen with a burst of speed.

Ōnoki shouted as he cast his jutsu,

"Hokage, Mizukage, stop him at all costs! If Madara is resurrected, this world is finished!"

Madara’s expression darkened as he prepared to deal with the “flies” interrupting his “resurrection plan.” But before he could act, Aizen’s voice rang out:

"Bakudō No. 61: Six Rods Light Prison!"

Six rods of light appeared out of thin air, surrounding Ōnoki and Gaara before closing in and immobilizing them instantly.

Without even glancing at them, Aizen raised his right hand.

With a loud boom, the Raikage’s lightning-infused punch was caught effortlessly.

"Still haven’t learned your lesson, Raikage? Didn’t I beat you up enough last time?" Aizen said with a smile, tightening his grip slightly.

Crack!  

The Raikage’s lightning armor—his strongest defensive measure—fractured around his fist.

"Ahh! Damn it, die!" The Raikage howled in pain but swung his other fist at Aizen.

Aizen wasn’t in the mood to humor him anymore. Grabbing the Raikage’s hand, he unleashed Armament Haki’s internal destruction technique.

The Raikage’s punch stopped mid-air. His lightning dissipated, his eyes widened, and his pupils began to dull.

"Raikage!"

Ōnoki’s cry echoed as the Raikage coughed up blood mixed with fragments of internal organs before collapsing unconscious.

"You bastard, Fujiwara Aizen, you—" Ōnoki’s words were cut short as another light rod sealed his mouth shut.

"Annoying flies dealt with. Now, where were we?" Aizen said casually, kicking the Raikage’s body aside. "Madara, what were we discussing?"

Madara observed all this with a wary glint in his eye.

The Raikage’s organs had been utterly destroyed. This technique was reminiscent of Hashirama’s, but stronger.

This man’s sensing abilities could counter the Raikage’s Lightning Body Flicker with ease.

And this strange sealing technique immobilized Ōnoki and Gaara in an instant.

Madara decided it was unwise to clash with Aizen before achieving full resurrection and reclaiming the Rinnegan.

"You said you’d help me revive," Madara reminded him.

"Ah, yes," Aizen replied with a smile. "I can help you, but not right now."

"What do you mean?" Madara asked, frowning.

"I made a deal with another Madara," Aizen explained.

"If he fails, I’ll kill him. If he succeeds..."

"If he succeeds, then I won’t need to be resurrected, is that it?" Madara interrupted, his face darkening. "Aizen, it seems you’re even more cunning than I thought."

"You’ve even accounted for me in your schemes."

Aizen laughed. "Don’t take it the wrong way. Our goal is the same—Infinite Tsukuyomi. As long as we succeed, does it matter whether you’re alive or not?"

"With this Edo Tensei body, you can still create the peaceful world you’ve dreamed of."

"Although I don’t understand why you’re so obsessed with creating a fake peace through escapism."

"But that’s none of my concern."

Turning to Tsunade and Mei Terumī, Aizen smiled warmly.

"I just want to live with my wife and children in a world without war or the ninja system. Isn’t that right, Tsunade? And my dear Mizukage? Remember our deal?"

"Until you and Madara settle things, I won’t intervene."

"But if this war drags on or you fail, I’ll forcibly take you both away from the battlefield until it’s over."

Boom.

Ōnoki and Gaara felt as if they had been struck by lightning. Their minds went blank.

Aizen’s reputation as a playboy was well-known, but this was outrageous.

Not only the Hokage but also the Mizukage were his women?!

Even Madara twitched at the corner of his mouth.

"Looks like you’re more... unique than I thought."

"Naturally. Unlike you, who’s lived all these years and is still a virgin," Aizen said shamelessly.

"A virgin?"

Tsunade and Mei Terumī froze, then looked at Madara with wide eyes before bursting into uncontrollable laughter, tears streaming down their faces.

"Hahaha! No way! Uchiha Madara, the Demon of the Shinobi World, a legendary figure, and still a virgin? Hahaha!"

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 368: Straight to the Stomach*

Ōnoki, his mouth sealed shut, heard that Uchiha Madara was a virgin. Staring at him again, his eyes no longer held fear or dread but were filled with amusement and mischief.

Ōnoki might not have much to brag about, but at least he had children and grandchildren.

If his mouth hadn’t been sealed, he would have loved to mock this man who had always enjoyed bullying him.

As for Aizen and Gaara, their reactions were mixed.

Aizen handled it a bit better—after all, she had overheard her dad’s private conversations enough times to build some tolerance.

But Gaara, also a virgin, was completely stunned. His eyebrow-less face turned as red as his hair in an instant.

Still, Gaara was young; being a virgin wasn’t something anyone would criticize.

But for someone as old as Madara? That was just awkward.

At this moment, it felt like the entire world was mocking him. Ōnoki’s gaze was especially piercing, as if he were seeing himself in Madara’s shoes, his expression practically screaming: You old virgin.  

Ōnoki thought: I might not be able to beat you in a fight, but at least I’ve got you beat here.  

Madara growled, “Shut up. I didn’t bother because I’m above it. With my reputation, women were flocking to me back then.”

The furious outburst everyone expected didn’t happen. Instead, Madara clenched his fists, veins bulging on his forehead.

The room fell silent, until Mei Terumi mumbled, “Still a virgin, though.”

Madara’s Rinnegan glared at her, instantly casting a genjutsu.

Mei staggered slightly, but before the illusion could fully take hold, Aizen stepped in, blocking the attack. “Don’t be mad! A legendary ninja like you shouldn’t be losing his cool over a woman’s remark, right?”

Madara snorted coldly, turning away. Aizen continued, “With the TsuAizenge and Kazekage sealed, the Raikage dead, and me about to bring the Hokage and Mizukage home, the Five Kage are no longer a threat.”

“Once I send my family back home, I’ll join the battle on the other side. What about you? What’s your plan?”

“Just so you know, I don’t care who becomes the ‘savior,’ as long as the Infinite Tsukuyomi proceeds as planned.”

Madara scoffed, “Fine, I’ll go ahead.”

With that, his figure vanished.

Aizen turned to his daughter, “Oh, by the way, Aizen, let out that useless brother-in-law of yours. I promised Mikoto and Chihiro to help him find peace.”

Aizen nodded and activated her Susano’o. From within the gourd of the Totsuka Blade, she released the spirit of Obito.

“What’s going on? Has the Impure World Reincarnation been undone?” Obito floated in midair, looking confused.

Having been trapped within the dream-like space of the Totsuka Blade, he was completely unaware of what had transpired.

“It seems so,” he muttered. “It looks like Kabuto betrayed me and canceled the Impure World Reincarnation. But it doesn’t matter. The Five Kage have already fallen to the real Madara, so our agreement is void. I’ll join the battle next.”

Aizen looked at him calmly and said, “What’s your goal, Aizen?”

Aizen smiled faintly. “Didn’t my daughter already tell you? To create a world without conflict. Once everyone is trapped in the Infinite Tsukuyomi, there will be no more wars or tragedies like the Uchiha massacre.”

Saying this, Aizen placed a hand on Itachi’s nearly transparent spiritual form. With the help of advanced medical ninjutsu and chakra infusion, Itachi’s spirit regained a faint trace of vitality—though just barely.

“Per your wife Mikoto’s request, I’ve restored a bit of your life force. She wants to see you one last time. You know where to find her, don’t you?”

Itachi glanced at the restrained Gaara and Ōnoki, as well as the critically injured Raikage. Without a word, he turned and flew toward the direction of Amegakure.

“Dad, he doesn’t seem to be heading to Mikoto Auntie’s place,” Aizen said.

“I know. He’s someone who prioritizes his brother and the village over his parents. Completely brainwashed by the so-called Will of Fire. Not that it matters; Mikoto doesn’t want to see him anyway.”

Aizen turned toward Mei and Tsunade, who were attempting to free Ōnoki and Gaara or treat the Raikage’s injuries.

“What are you two doing?”

“Haha… I just wanted to test your seals. Turns out they’re really solid. Not even my Boil or Lava Release could melt them,” Mei laughed awkwardly, scratching her head.

“Yeah,” Tsunade chimed in. “Seeing someone injured, my instincts as a medic just kicked in.”

Aizen rolled his eyes. “Alright, ladies, let’s not play games. You don’t want me killing these three Kage here, do you?”

Without waiting for a response, Aizen placed a hand on his daughter’s shoulder, released chakra threads to wrap around the two women’s waists, and disappeared with all of them in a flash.

Shortly after, Obito returned. Seeing that the Raikage’s life had been saved, he didn’t linger. After orienting himself, he flew off to find Sasuke.

When Aizen and the others reappeared, they were already in Amegakure, standing before the clock tower.

The tower was now covered by a translucent green barrier.

“What’s this?” Tsunade and Mei exclaimed in shock.

“This is a barrier I created to block the light of the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Inside, you’re safe from its effects.” With a wave of his hand, Aizen opened a small passage in the barrier.

Once inside, the two women were surprised to see two familiar faces.

“Hinata?”

“Haku?”

“What are you two doing here?” the women asked simultaneously.

Hinata and Haku exchanged glances, their faces turning red as they avoided eye contact.

Seeing this, Mei and Tsunade immediately understood.

Anyone inside this barrier had to be part of Aizen’s “family.”

Realizing what this implied, they glared at Aizen, who ignored their reactions and gave instructions.

“Hinata, Haku, help these two freshen up. They’re dirty from the battlefield. Oh, and Kurenai is about to give birth—Tsunade, you’ll help with that, right?”

Before they could retort, Aizen used the Flying Thunder God technique to leave the barrier, leaving behind an annoyed Tsunade and Mei, along with a pair of deeply embarrassed young women.

Aizen’s daughter, Aika., sighed helplessly. “Great, more moms to deal with now.”

Only she knew that on the first day of the battle, her father had already secretly brought the two women from the battlefield. Using his elaborate Infinite Tsukuyomi plan as a pretext, he had convinced them to stay—straight to the stomach.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 369: When Sasuke Learns He Has a Stepfather

The night grew deeper, but the battlefield at the border of the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning remained brightly lit from the ongoing chaos.

In the restless night sky, two faint white silhouettes unexpectedly met.

“Sharingan? Are you from the Uchiha clan? The Impure World Reincarnation should have been released. Why can you still move? Are you Madara Uchiha?” The speaker was none other than Dan Katō, who had temporarily gained freedom using the Spirit Transformation Technique.

The figure he encountered was Itachi Uchiha.

Dan, having lost his purpose after Tsunade was taken away by Aizen, wandered aimlessly. Itachi, unable to sense his younger brother Sasuke, was also adrift.

Both of them wandered like headless flies until, when their chakra was nearly depleted, they crossed paths.

“No, I am not Madara. I am Itachi Uchiha,” Itachi said after recognizing Dan's technique. He hesitated slightly before adding, “This seems to be the Spirit Transformation Technique. Are you Dan Katō?”

Dan nodded in understanding. “Ah, so you’re Fugaku’s child. I heard about you from Danzō and the others. I also know about the tragedy of the Uchiha clan.”

“I deeply regret what happened. No one could have foreseen things unfolding like that,” Dan said, his tone apologetic. “Danzō and the Third Hokage…”

“It doesn’t matter anymore,” Itachi cut him off, unwilling to dwell on the past. He quickly shifted the topic. “You’re looking for Lady Tsunade, aren’t you?”

“Yes. I searched the Fourth Division battlefield where I was sealed but couldn’t find any trace of her. Even the Spirit Transformation Technique’s soul perception failed,” Dan replied, his face filled with worry.

Another one duped by Aizen? Itachi thought, noticing the pain in Dan’s expression. Unaware of the truth, Dan didn’t know about Aizen’s relationship with Tsunade.

“Rest assured, Lady Tsunade is safe. The other Kage are alive as well. However,” Itachi paused, unsure how to phrase it delicately, “she’s married now and has a child. Her husband rescued her.”

Though Itachi stopped there, Dan understood. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he forced a bitter smile. “I see... as long as she’s happy.”

He wiped away his tears and changed the subject. “You seem to be looking for someone too.”

“Yes, my younger brother,” Itachi replied. “But at this rate, I might not make it. The chakra he left me is almost gone.”

Itachi’s spectral body grew increasingly translucent, and his heart sank at the thought of failing to meet his beloved little brother one last time.

But Dan’s next words rekindled hope. “I might be able to help with that. I don’t have much chakra left, but it should be enough to help you find him. Consider it my way of repaying the Leaf Village.”

As he spoke, Dan turned into a stream of light and merged with Itachi’s spirit.

“This…,” Itachi muttered as he felt his spectral form change.

“The Spirit Transformation Technique can sense souls. I believe you can identify your brother’s chakra signature among them. Hurry—my time is short,” Dan’s voice echoed in Itachi’s mind.

Itachi nodded firmly and sped off in Sasuke’s direction, his senses heightened.

---

Sasuke’s Search for Revenge

Meanwhile, Sasuke roamed the battlefield, searching for Naruto and the Leaf shinobi.

Determined to carry out his revenge, he scoured the area but found nothing but White Zetsu clones littering the landscape.

Eventually, he encountered Anko Mitarashi, who had been released by Kabuto.

“Sasuke Uchiha? What are you doing here?” Anko exclaimed in shock.

“Oh, it’s you, Anko from the Leaf. Why am I here? Naturally, I’m looking for you,” Sasuke replied, activating his Sharingan as he drew his Kusanagi blade.

“Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan…” Anko gasped, instinctively averting her gaze and preparing to retreat. But her efforts were futile; the overwhelming power of Sasuke’s gaze quickly trapped her in a genjutsu.

Refusing to give up, Anko bit her tongue to snap herself out of the illusion, only to find herself ensnared by Sasuke’s Susano’o.

Pointing his blade at her neck, Sasuke coldly demanded, “Where are the Leaf shinobi?”

“Even if I knew, I’d never betray my comrades. Kill me if you want!” Anko spat defiantly.

“Is that so?” Sasuke glanced at the Curse Mark on her neck. “Then you can die along with Orochimaru.”

Just as Sasuke was about to strike, Itachi arrived, his spirit form aided by Dan’s chakra. Dan’s energy was exhausted, and he faded away completely.

Sasuke froze as he recognized the figure before him.

“It’s been a while, Sasuke,” Itachi said with a soft smile.

The brothers exchanged words, mirroring their conversation in the original story. Itachi revealed the truth behind his actions and shared his deepest regrets with his "foolish little brother."

---

When Itachi learned that their mother was still alive, his joy was boundless, almost childlike. However, upon discovering that Aizen had married their mother and fathered a child, his excitement turned to utter humiliation.

“That bastard…” Sasuke muttered through gritted teeth, his Sharingan flaring as he shot a sharp glance at the unconscious Anko.

At that moment, Suigetsu and Jūgo arrived, guided by a small bird.

“Why are you two here?” Sasuke asked, surprised.

“We came to deliver a gift,” Suigetsu said, grinning as he handed over a scroll capable of undoing the Reaper Death Seal.

Sasuke’s eyes widened as he examined it. “This is…”

Suigetsu smirked. “Not bad, right? Aizen wanted us to find it, but we didn’t feel like following his orders. We figured you’d make better use of it.”

*Chapter 370: Sasuke Becomes a Father*

"What are you planning to do, Sasuke? This is no small matter. If we resurrect those people, our Taka team will have enough power to determine the outcome of this war. We could even control the entire shinobi world."

Suigetsu persuaded with a sly tone.

Sasuke closed his eyes at those words, recalling the memories Itachi had shown him. Scene after scene flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern.

Finally, the memories overlapped and shattered into countless fragments.

He opened his eyes. "There's someone I must meet."

"Who?" Suigetsu asked, confused.

"The one who knows everything." Sasuke walked over to the unconscious Anko and pulled down her collar, revealing the three-tomoe curse mark.

"Sasuke, there’s something strange in this woman’s ninja tools pouch—it’s moving. Huh, it looks like Orochimaru's White Snake Cells," said Jugo, crouching down and pulling out a pale, pulsating lump of flesh.

"So, that’s it." Looking at the flesh, Sasuke smirked. "It seems Kabuto has truly betrayed Orochimaru."

"He probably left this behind for Anko to deliver to the Allied Shinobi Forces and then resurrect the Hokage to change the tide of the war."

"Serves you right, Aizen Fujiwara. Even someone like you has miscalculations," Sasuke muttered to himself. Then he pressed the flesh onto Anko’s neck, causing it to react with the curse mark.

Recalling how Kakashi had sealed his curse mark, Sasuke began forming hand seals.

"Hey, hey, what are you doing? That curse mark is from Orochimaru! Don’t tell me you’re planning—" Suigetsu’s voice trembled as he realized Sasuke’s intent.

"There are things only Orochimaru can do, aren’t there?" Sasuke replied and performed the Evil Releasing Method.

A white snake emerged from Anko's neck, and from its mouth came a slimy, distorted figure—Orochimaru himself.

"Well, well, to think I’d be revived by you of all people. How amusing," Orochimaru said as he crawled out of the snake’s mouth.

"Long time no see, Orochimaru-sama," Suigetsu stammered, hastily stepping behind Orochimaru.

"Yes, it’s been a while. It feels almost dreamlike," Orochimaru mused.

"Orochimaru, I need you to do something for me." Sasuke handed over a scroll.

Orochimaru interrupted, "No need to explain. The curse mark on Anko is an embodiment of my will. I’ve already been aware of everything happening in the outside world while inside her."

"Then you know about the war?" Sasuke asked casually.

"Of course. Aizen seems to be playing a grand game. Tobi, Uchiha Madara, the Allied Shinobi Forces—you and I are all pieces on his board." Orochimaru chuckled sinisterly. "Perhaps Kabuto’s betrayal is his only misstep."

Sasuke frowned. "What’s that bastard plotting?"

"Who knows?" Orochimaru replied, his gaze growing more interested. "Maybe your mother, Uchiha Mikoto, would know something. After all, that man is trying to create a world free of any threats to his family."

"Are you heading to the Hidden Rain Village? Though I wouldn’t recommend it—it might be more dangerous than the battlefield itself," Orochimaru continued.

"All the former Akatsuki members, except for your brother, have been revived by Aizen. And those two stepsisters of yours are not to be underestimated."

"Chinatsu was strong enough to defeat your brother Itachi and the former Kage. I don’t need to explain her power, do I?"

"Additionally, Aizen might have other tricks up his sleeve. He has mastered the Second Hokage’s Flying Raijin, allowing him to move freely to and from the Hidden Rain Village."

Sasuke shook his head. "No, I don’t want to see her just yet."

"Suit yourself. But let me make one thing clear—I have no interest in this war started by others," Orochimaru said, taking the scroll. "If there’s anything I’m interested in, it’s your young body."

"Oh, one more thing. You may not know this, but the child left in my discarded body didn’t die. Kabuto saved him."

"He’s been placed in a tank and has now grown into a normal baby. Would you like to see him? After all, he’s your descendant."

Orochimaru smirked mischievously.

Sasuke’s brows furrowed, his face darkening further. His cold eyes glinted as Orochimaru added, "It seems you’re not ready to meet him yet."

"No matter. Leaving the child and his sister with Kabuto and his foster mother, Nonou Yakushi, might be a good choice. After all, they specialize in running an orphanage."

Jugo and Suigetsu, listening nearby, were utterly bewildered.

"Mother? Child? Descendant? Sasuke has a child? When? How come I didn’t know?" Suigetsu asked, baffled.

"And didn’t Itachi kill all the Uchiha? How is your mother still alive?"

Jugo, noticing Sasuke’s reaction, quickly covered Suigetsu’s mouth. "Suigetsu, shut up. Otherwise, if you’re killed later, don’t blame me for not warning you. Some things aren’t meant for us to know."

"You’re still as perceptive as ever, Jugo. Have you figured something out?" Orochimaru chuckled.

Looking at Sasuke’s dark expression, Orochimaru continued, "So, what do you want to learn from the previous Hokage?"

"I want to know what war and the village truly mean," Sasuke replied, his tone calm as he gazed toward the direction of Konoha. "Their answers will decide Konoha’s fate and the shinobi world’s future—whether to destroy or rebuild."

"Then let’s go," Orochimaru said, heading toward Konoha. Sasuke followed closely behind.

"Hey, wait for us!" Suigetsu called out as he hurried after them.

Jugo glanced at the unconscious Anko, eventually deciding not to leave her behind. He slung her over his shoulder and carried her with them.

Meanwhile, in the only remaining battlefield of the Fourth Great Ninja War...

Obito was locked in an intense battle with Naruto, Killer Bee, Jiraiya, and newly joined Kakashi and Might Guy.

As in the original story, after the former Jinchuriki were defeated and Edo Tensei was undone, Obito used the Eight-Tails’ tentacle and the Nine-Tails chakra from Kinkaku and Ginkaku to resurrect the Ten-Tails.

However, due to Jiraiya’s intervention, Obito’s revival of the Ten-Tails occurred earlier than in the original timeline.

(End of chapter)